SEATTLE – The Seattle Pacific University men's basketball team hosted 13th-ranked Saint Martin's on Thursday night as the Falcons contended with the Saints throughout the game, but the visitors left on top, 84-76.
The Falcons and Saints went into halftime separated by just one point. The Saints pulled down 29 rebounds to 16 rebounds from the Falcons over the first 20 minutes. SMU had 14 offensive rebounds during the opening half. SPU's defense recovered well, holding the Saints to a 27.9 shooting percentage with four made 3-pointers to start the game. The Falcons trailed 29-28 going into the locker room.
The Falcons made solid adjustments and took the lead early in the second half. SPU went on a 14-5 run that lasted 2:52. Maui Sze and Shaw Anderson combined for all 14 points, scoring seven points each. The Falcons led 42-40 with 15:34 left in the game.
The Falcons followed it with another run. This time, it was a 16-9 stretch over 4:27. SPU went 5-for-6 with two made 3-pointers during the span. Jadin Penigar poured in seven points while Kyle Luttinen had five. The Falcons led 58-51 with 10:27 to play.
The momentum shifted toward the visitors. They responded with an 18-5 run that lasted 5:20 that gave the Saints a 69-63 advantage. The Saints kept their lead and handed the Falcons just their second loss on their home floor this season.
"We knew that if we didn't respond against a team that's as good as Saint Martin's, they could run away from us," interim head coach Keffrey Fazio said. "I was really proud that we stayed in it and showed fight. Even with the rebounding numbers the way that they were, we had a chance at halftime. We couldn't quite stop them from doing what they wanted to do, long enough. They're a good team."
Penigar led the Falcons with 20 points on 8-for-15 shooting. He grabbed two rebounds and had an assist and one block. Anderson followed closely behind with 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting and a perfect 5-for-5 effort from the free throw line. He had a team-high six rebounds. Sze made the offense work, dishing out eight assists.
"Jadin played well," Fazio added. "We know he can score. When he's in his spots and is decisive, he can put up points. Tonight, we needed more guys that wanted to rebound and take a little more pride in defending, at times. We can't give teams like that leeway."
The Falcons return to Royal Brougham Pavilion on Saturday for a 2 p.m. game against Western Oregon.
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